Egypt's vast $1bn museum set to open in Cairo after two-decade delay
A monumental wait is finally over as Egypt's Grand Egyptian Museum is all set to officially open its doors outside the pyramids of Giza, marking a grand milestone for the country's rich cultural heritage. After two decades of construction delays and setbacks, the museum will now welcome visitors from around the world.
Located a mile away from the iconic pyramids, the 470,000 sq metre complex is touted as the largest archaeological facility dedicated to a single civilization in the world. Spread over an area of 24,000 sq metres of permanent exhibition space, the museum boasts state-of-the-art technology and multimedia presentations that will transport visitors on a journey through time.
Among its treasures are over 50,000 artefacts, including the colossal colossus of Ramesses II weighing 83 tons and a 4,500-year-old boat belonging to pharaoh Khufu, credited with building the pyramids. The museum's grand opening is expected to draw visitors from all corners of the globe.
Egypt's government has high hopes that the museum will attract a record-breaking number of tourists, aiming to increase the foreign currency influx by 100% in the next decade. According to officials, they expect between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors per day.
However, amidst the excitement, concerns have been raised about the safety of artefacts in Egypt. In recent weeks, two valuable relics have been stolen from Egyptian museums, prompting questions about the efficacy of security measures. The museum's opening coincides with a broader push to boost tourism and antiquities in the country, which has faced disruptions due to the Arab Spring uprising and the coronavirus pandemic.
As the world watches this historic moment, Egypt is proud to share its rich cultural heritage with the global community. The Grand Egyptian Museum is a gift from Egypt to the world, showcasing the country's rich history and legacy to future generations.
A monumental wait is finally over as Egypt's Grand Egyptian Museum is all set to officially open its doors outside the pyramids of Giza, marking a grand milestone for the country's rich cultural heritage. After two decades of construction delays and setbacks, the museum will now welcome visitors from around the world.
Located a mile away from the iconic pyramids, the 470,000 sq metre complex is touted as the largest archaeological facility dedicated to a single civilization in the world. Spread over an area of 24,000 sq metres of permanent exhibition space, the museum boasts state-of-the-art technology and multimedia presentations that will transport visitors on a journey through time.
Among its treasures are over 50,000 artefacts, including the colossal colossus of Ramesses II weighing 83 tons and a 4,500-year-old boat belonging to pharaoh Khufu, credited with building the pyramids. The museum's grand opening is expected to draw visitors from all corners of the globe.
Egypt's government has high hopes that the museum will attract a record-breaking number of tourists, aiming to increase the foreign currency influx by 100% in the next decade. According to officials, they expect between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors per day.
However, amidst the excitement, concerns have been raised about the safety of artefacts in Egypt. In recent weeks, two valuable relics have been stolen from Egyptian museums, prompting questions about the efficacy of security measures. The museum's opening coincides with a broader push to boost tourism and antiquities in the country, which has faced disruptions due to the Arab Spring uprising and the coronavirus pandemic.
As the world watches this historic moment, Egypt is proud to share its rich cultural heritage with the global community. The Grand Egyptian Museum is a gift from Egypt to the world, showcasing the country's rich history and legacy to future generations.